D'Angelo Passes Away – Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and DJ Premier Pay Tribute

      American R&B icon D’Angelo has passed away.

      The songwriter produced three flawless, influential albums throughout three decades, each serving as a stunning illustration of soulful artistry. A truly unique voice, D’Angelo sadly died overnight after a private battle with pancreatic cancer.

      Hip-hop producer DJ Premier had a close working relationship with D’Angelo and was among the first to express his condolences:

      "It's such a sad loss with the passing of D'Angelo. We shared so many wonderful moments. I will miss you dearly. Rest in Peace, D. Love you, KING."

      Lauryn Hill, who had a deep connection with D’Angelo, shared a heartfelt tribute reflecting on his life and legacy:

      "People need moments of reflection.

      I wish I had more time with you. Your extraordinary beauty and talent transcended this world, and a presence of such magnitude needs protection in a world that yearns for light and the anointing of God. You inspired us, provoked thought, and even prompted others to act through your brilliance. Thank you for being a guiding light to a generation and beyond, one that had forgotten the legacy before us. Thank you for paving the way and creating space at a time when it was scarce. You embodied a blend of strength and sensitivity in Black masculinity for a generation that often felt it had to choose one over the other. I sincerely hope you find peace, away from selfishness, fear, controlling interests, possessiveness, greed, manipulation, exploitation, and chaos. I wish you eternal peace, bliss, and fulfillment with our Father in heaven.

      I love you and miss you. May God provide comfort and protection to your family, true friends, and sincere admirers, Brother, King."

      Tyler, The Creator has always been a fan of D’Angelo and took to Instagram to share his grief:

      "On my 9th birthday, March 6, 2000, I went to Sam Goody at the South Bay Galleria. I had $20 in birthday money and was determined to leave with one item.

      VOODOO by D’Angelo.

      A friend's world had 'left&right' playing on repeat; 'Brown Sugar' became a household staple, while 'Nothing Even Matters' by Ms. Hill was on constant rotation, so I knew 'Voodoo' would be exceptional. I had no idea it would shape my musical identity. The number of raps I've written to 'BOOTY' that year, the countless attempts to mimic vocal phrasing from 'SEND IT ON,' and the scratches on the disc from repeatedly listening to 'THE ROOT'…too many to count. 'ONE MO'GIN' still puts me in the same trance as when I first experienced it. That slow, swaying tempo feels like a rocking chair on a porch. The bassline, grumpy yet relaxed. The subject matter felt like a reflection of my own feelings. I took that inspiration and wrote 'RING RING RING' (thus the line from 'one mo gin'). I couldn’t comprehend how someone could craft something so simple yet personal, broad, and brilliant. That’s how extraordinary he was—a genius.

      I’m incredibly grateful to have received my copy of VOODOO when I did. We are fortunate to have been alive to appreciate his art. My musical identity was influenced by him. Forever thankful. Safe travels."

      Missy Elliott celebrated the artist's creativity and urged fans to keep his son—who also lost his mother, Angie Stone, earlier this year—in their thoughts:

      "No parent wants to witness their child suffer, and it’s painful for children to experience the loss of their parents. So let’s send prayers for his son, who has also lost his mom this year, to find strength."

      Saul Williams penned a moving essay about the impact of D’Angelo’s life and work:

      "As I reflect on his beautiful spirit and the music he gifted us—only when he deemed it fitting—I recall having the Voodoo recordings for years before their release. I remember how fortunate I felt to be in his presence.

      Technically, I was there because I was invited to write the liner notes for Voodoo—which I eventually did, and they are shared above—but in reality, I was just relishing every chance to hear an angel sing up close.

      Many of the people D loved are already on the other side, so I can only imagine it’s his turn to hear his favorite angels sing nearby."